The AIFF president also got the state government's nod to develop Rabindra Sarovar stadium into an international standard venue to host the 2017 meet.
"Done," Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee replied instantly when Patel requested her to handover the Stadium to the AIFF.
"I am happy to announce that we are ready to handover Rabindra Sarovar Stadium to AIFF. It's my dream to see U-17 World Cup football being held in Kolkata. We have beautified the area around Rabindra Sarovar, a national lake," Banerjee said at the programme.
Suggesting that a world-class football stadium could also be developed in Rajarhat New Town near the city, Banerjee requested the ATK owners to look into the venture while the state was ready to provide it land for the purpose.
"We are ready to give land in Rajarhat to build a football stadium of international standard. Let us prepare the infrastructure for the Under-17 World Cup tournament from now," Banerjee said. ATK co-owner Sanjiv Goyenka immediately accepted the Chief Minister's proposal.
Stadium has no facilities as of now. No roof, poor stands, poor dressing rooms, no proper floodlights, In short, it will take lots of resources to develop this into something that will impress the FIFA officials. Salt lake should be renovated. But, maybe considering the cost that is too much given its current state, they decided to renovate this. Still, I am a bit doubtful. I think its YBK which is gonna be there.
YBK or Rabindra Sarobar -- I don't know. But I can assure that the Rajarhat stadium talk by Didi is pure hot air. It is a politician's way of trying to take advantage of people's goodwill after the success of ADK and get some mileage. After some time, she will forget, we will forget, everybody else will forget. But as of now, she scored some points in the public's book. Chapter closed.
Kolkata, Goa, Kerala and Guwahati should be the only venues for the World Cup. The government shouldnt waste tax payer money by scheduling matches in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
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Suggesting that a world-class football stadium could also be developed in Rajarhat New Town near the city, Banerjee requested the ATK owners to look into the venture while the state was ready to provide it land for the purpose.
"We are ready to give land in Rajarhat to build a football stadium of international standard. Let us prepare the infrastructure for the Under-17 World Cup tournament from now," Banerjee said. ATK co-owner Sanjiv Goyenka immediately accepted the Chief Minister's proposal.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/Kolkata-May-Host-Under-17-Football-World-Cup-Final/2014/12/24/article2586850.ece
Still, I am a bit doubtful. I think its YBK which is gonna be there.